Well system coupler



March 25, 1969 H. A. TUBBS 3,434,536

WELL SYSTEM COUPLER Filed April 17, 1967 IVENTOR fig'gwen A Twas /rn%w #IM iffagggs March 25, 1969 TUBES 3,434,536

WELL SYSTEM COUPLER Filed April 17, 1967 Sheet 2 M2 j 4 INVENTOR zgowmw ,5 77/4965 /mc41m 65M /4 flfforneys United States Patent 3,434,536 WELL SYSTEM COUPLER Howard A. Tubbs, 406 S. Elizabeth St., Whitewater, Wis. 53190 Filed Apr. 17, 1967, Ser. No. 631,218 Int. Cl. E21b 41/00 US. Cl. 166-88 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A coupler for connecting supply and delivery pipes in a well system, wherein a saddle having a male coupling is attached to the well casing and a female coupling attached to the supply pipe is lowered onto the male coupling. Locating pins on the saddle position the latter relative to an opening in the casing, and a sealing ring of flowable rubber seals the saddle to the casing. The male and female couplings are press fit into supporting structure of cast metal.

This invention is related to a well system coupler, and more particularly to a coupling system for joining the supply pipe to the delivery pipe of wells.

The invention is an improvement on the coupling concept disclosed in my US. Patent No. 2,918,972, issued Dec. 29, 1959, and entitled, Coupling Apparatus for a Well System.

In that patent, a male and female coupling member were joined via inclined surfaces within a special housing secured to the outside of the casing having an opening therein. The seal between the coupling members was accomplished by Wedging action due to weight and by a washer disposed between the faces of the members.

The present invention is directed to a coupler wherein the bulky external housing is eliminated and is merged into a saddle-type member. The new saddle is attached to the exterior of the casing well and a special seal is provided therebetween. In addition, locator means are provided between the saddle and casing for assisting in positioning the saddle relative to the opening in the casing wall. Furthermore, an improved coaction and seal is provided between the male and female coupling portions.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a well system employing the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the coup s;

FIG. 3 is a central vertical section of the'coupler;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal section taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a front view of the connector, with parts broken away.

As best shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the coupler of the invention may be used in connection with a submersible type well system having the usual wellknown pumping apparatus 1 which is lowered into a suitable Subterranean well casing 2 until it is below water level. Casing 2 may be of one piece or may comprise a plurality of casing lengths suitably secured together, depending on the depth of the well. Suitable electric wires 3 extend downwardly through casing 2 for operating the pump motor and controls of apparatus 1. Casing 2 may be provided with a cap 4 if desired.

In operation, water or other fluid is pumped by apparatus 1 up through a supply pipe 5, through coupler 6 and hence to a delivery pipe 7 and then on to the point of usage.

3,434,536 Patented Mar. 25, 1969 Coupler 6 is so constructed and positioned that it does not obstruct casing 2 for pumping apparatus installation, servicing and other purposes.

The general structure described above is similar to that disclosed in the present inventors aforementioned patent.

In accordance with the present invention, an opening 8 is provided in the circumferential wall of easing 2. Opening 8 may be formed prior to lowering casing 2 into the well, or it may be formed (as by cutting or burning) in the casing in situ.

Coupler 6 of the invention comprises a saddle 9 and clamp 10, both of which are generally semi-circular and adapted to partially encircle casing 2 in opposed relationship. Both members may be made of cast metal or other suitable material, and extend around the casing a distance less than The curved central walls 11, 12 of saddle 9 and clamp 10 respectively terminate in respective outer end flanges 13, 14 with suitable matching openings through which extend suitable bolts 15. Bolts 15 are threaded into threaded openings 16 in saddle 9 to secure the coupler assembly to casing 2. Other suitable means may be used to secure the members together.

In accordance with the invention, saddle 9 is provided with an outwardly projecting hub 17 having a bore with an interior surface 18 which is threaded at its outer end portion for purposes of threadably receiving delivery pipe 7. The inner end portion of surface 18 is smooth for purposes of receiving, as by a press fit, a male coupling member 19.

The inner end of male member 19 is generally spoollike and is provided with a narrow cylindrical annular surface 20 which merges into an annular flange having an outwardly facing ramp-like inclined conical surface 21, a circumferential edge 22 and an inwardly directed planular face 23.

It is important to properly locate saddle 9 relative to casing opening 8 so that male member 19 faces toward the opening in correct position. For this purpose, a pair of locator pins 24 are secured to wall 11 and extend inwardly therefrom. Pins 24 are spaced horizontally and approximately equidistant from the axis of the hub bore, and are positioned below the axis. As saddle 9 is lowered into the well, and the area of opening 8 is reached, the saddle is moved slightly inwardly so that pins 24 enter the opening. Further downward movement of the saddle will cause pins 24 to engage and seat on the lower edge portion of opening 8 to properly locate and position the saddle.

While a single centrally disposed locator pin could be used, saddle 9 might tend to rock or ride up relative to opening 8. By using locating means, such as a plurality of pins, which provide multi-position contact at separate spaced locations with the edge of opening 8, such disadvantages can be avoided.

It is important that saddle 9 is adequately sealed to the casing wall surrounding opening 8 to prevent leakage of fluid therethrough. For this purpose, a groove 25 is circumferentially formed in the inner face of saddle Wall 11. Groove 25 is of varying depth, the draft of the groove being shallower at opposed portions adjacent flanges 13 than along the groove extending between the flange. The shallow draft groove portions reduce manufacturing costs in casting.

A flexible sealing ring 26 is positioned in groove 25 so that when bolts 15 are tightened, the ring will effectively tighten up and sanitarily seal against the wall of casing 2. It has been found that a ring made of about 45 Duro rubber is preferable. Such material tends to be somewhat fiowable under pressure and will flow both sideways and endways, thus conforming to the groove, regardless of its draft. In addition, the ring will seal, even if there are irregularities in the casing wall due to manufacturing tolerance variations or aging. Furthermore, when ring 26 is initially formed in a straight piece and bent to the contour of groove 25, the ends will flow together when tightening pressure is applied.

In accordance with the invention a connector member 27 is provided with a downwardly directed threaded portion 28 for receiving the top threaded end of supply pipe 5. Member 27 is provided with a generally L-shaped internal bore 29 which connects portion 28 with a smoothwalled counterbore 30 which receives, as by a press fit, female coupling member 31.

Female coupling member 31 has on its outer end, a semi-circular lip32 which extends from and overhangs an outwardly directed planular coupling face 33. Lip 32 comprises an inner annular wall 34 which merges into an arcuate ramp-like inwardly facing inclined surface 35 which in turn terminates in a relatively sharp edge 36.

When connector 27 and pipe are lowered into the well and are disposed adjacent saddle 9, the connector is urged outwardly so that coupling member 31 passes through opening 8. Further lowering of connector 27 will cause female member 31 to seat down onto male member 19 so that inclined surfaces 21 and 35 mate and edge 36 approaches engagement with cylindrical surface 20. It has been found desirable to make surface 20 cylindrical with an axial extent, rather than a sharp groove, to prevent damage to sharp edge 36.

At the time of wedging engagement between coupling members 19 and 31, their respective faces 23 and 33 approach each other. Means are provided to seal these faces to prevent leakage of fluid between pipe 5 and the interior of casing 2. For this purpose, a counterbore 37 is disposed in female coupling member 31, as well as a circumferential groove 38 in its planular face 33. A suitable flexible spud washer 39 is disposed in counterbore 37, with washer 393 having a shank and an outer circumferential rim 40 which merges into an annular flange 41 seated in groove 38. As coupling 31 comes down on coupling 19, rim 40 sealingly engages face 23. In addition, when fluid under pressure flows through the coupler, the exposed annular end 42 of washer 39 is exposed to pressure, which serves to tighten the seal.

In order to provide adequate space for female member 31 to enter saddle 9 above male member 19, the latter and hub 17 are offset downwardly from the central axis of the saddle.

By forming coupling members 19 and 31 separate from saddle 9 and connector 27, the members can be made of metals such as machined stainless steel, bronze, nickel plated steel or the like, which are harder and therefore smaller dimensionally than the cast metal of the saddle and connector.

For purposes of lowering connector 27 and pipe 5 into the well, a support pipe 43 is threadably secured to the upwardly extending solid threaded portion 44 of connector 27. Pipe 43 may remain connected thereafter for purposes of connector removal. It has been found that icing conditions occasionally occur within the lower end of pipe 43. Drain means are provided for ice prevention within the pipe, and may comprise an interrupted thread arrangement in portion 44, such as one or more grooves 45 on the threaded exterior of portion 44.

The invention provides an improved coupler for well systems. The saddle structure uses less metal than prior structures, and cannot shift to any degree on the casing due to its curved structure.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:

1. In a well system having a hollow wall casing, a pumping apparatus, a Water supply pipe within the casing,

and a water delivery pipe leading from the casing: an improved coupler disposed between and connecting said supply and delivery pipes, said coupler comprising:

(a) a saddle having a curved wall corresponding to the curvature of the casing wall and having the delivery pipe connected thereto,

(b) means clamping said saddle to the exterior casing wall about an opening therein,

(c) locating means extending inwardly from said saddle at separate spaced locations and engageable with the edge of said opening for properly positioning the saddle when the latter is-lowered to the vicinity of the opening,

(d) and mutually engageable coupler means disposed to connect said saddle with said supply pipe.

2. The well system of claim 1 in which:

(a) said coupler means includes a coupling extending inwardly from said saddle,

(b) and said locating means comprises a plurality of pins disposed below said coupling for engagement with said edge.

3. The well system of claim 1:

(a) in which said coupler means comprises a pair of coupling members having adjacent faces in facing relation and communicating between said supply pipe and said delivery pipe,

(b) one of said coupling members having a counterbore therein and having a circumferential groove in its said face,

(c) and a flexible spud washer having a shank disposed in said counterbore and having an outer circumferential rim which merges into an annular flange seated in said groove,

((1) said washer providing a seal between said faces.

4. In a well system having a hollow wall casing, a pumping apparatus, a water supply pipe within the casing, and a water delivery pipe leading from the casing: an improved coupler disposed between and connecting said supply and delivery pipes, said coupler comprising:

(a) a saddle having a curved wall corresponding to the curvature of the casing wall and having the delivery pipe connected thereto,

(b) means clamping said saddle to the exterior casing Wall about an opening therein,

(c) an inclined surfaced coupling member on said saddle and a corresponding similar member attached to said supply pipe and with said members being mutually engageable when said supply pipe is lowered into said casing,

(d) a circumferential groove disposed in the inner surface of said saddle with said groove having opposed portions of shallower draft than the remaining portions,

(e) and a flexible sealing ring disposed in said groove and surrounding said opening to prevent leakage therethrough, said sealing ring being made of a material which is relatively flowable both endsways and sideways under pressure.

5. The well system of claim 4 in which: said sealing ring is constructed of about Duro rubber and is provided with ends which flow toward each other under pressure.

6. In a well system having a hollow wall casing, a pumping apparatus, a water supply pipe within the casing, and a water delivery pipe leading from the casing: an improved coupler disposed between and connecting said supply and delivery pipes, said coupler comprising:

(a) a saddle having a curved wall corresponding to the curvature of the casing wall and having the delivery pipe connected thereto,

(b) means clamping said saddle to the exterior casing wall about an opening therein,

(c) an inclined surfaced coupling member on said saddle and a corresponding similar member attached to said supply pipe and with said members being mutually engageable when said supply pipe is lowered into said casing,

((1) said saddle including a bore connecting to the delivery pipe, one of said coupling members being secured within said bore,

(e) a connector secured to said supply pipe with the other of said coupling members being secured to said connector,

(f) said connector having an upwardly extending solid externally threaded portion,

(g) a support pipe threaded to said threaded portion for use in lowering said connector and supply pipe into the well,

(h) means providing communication between the interior of said support pipe and the exterior of the connector,

(i) and sealing means disposed between said saddle and said external casing wall with said sealing means surrounding the said opening, so that leakage through the said opening is substantially prevented.

7. The well system of claim 6 in which said last-named means comprises interrupted threads on the threaded portion of said connector to provide a groove therealong.

8. In a well system having a hollow wall casing, a pumping apparatus, a water supply pipe within the casing, and a water delivery pipe leading from the casing: an improved coupler disposed between and connecting said supply and delivery pipes, said coupler comprising:

(a) a saddle having a curved wall corresponding to the curvature of the casing wall and having the delivery pipe connected thereto,

(b) means clamping said saddle to the exterior casing wall about an opening therein,

(c) connector means disposed between said supply pipe and said saddle,

(d) a support pipe secured to said connector means for lowering said connector means and said supply pipe into the wall,

(e) and means providing communication between the interior of said support pipe and the exterior of said connector means.

9. In a well system having a hollow wall casing, a pumping apparatus, a water supply pipe within the casing, and a Water delivery pipe leading from the casing: an improved coupler disposed between and connecting said supply and delivery pipes, said coupler comprising:

(a) a saddle having a curved wall corresponding to the curvature of the casing wall and having the delivery pipe connected thereto,

(b) means clamping said saddle to the exterior casing wall about an opening therein,

(0) mutually engageable coupler means disposed to connect said saddle with said supply pipe,

(d) said coupler means comprising a pair of coupling members having adjacent faces in facing relation and communicating between said supply pipe and said delivery pipe,

(e) one of said coupling members having a counterbore therein and having a circumferential groove in its said face,

(f) and a flexible spud washer having a shank disposed in said counterbore and having an outer circumferential rim which merges into an annular flange seated in said groove.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,918,972 12/1959 Tubbs 16675 3,136,362 6/1964 Baker 16688 3,190,322 6/1965 Brown 277178 3,270,818 9/1966 Pugh 166-88 3,284,145 11/1966 Bixby 277178 3,306,358 2/1967 Williams 16689 JAMES A. LEPPINK, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

